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Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy Volume 8, 2008 - Issue 12
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Drug Evaluations

N-acetylcysteine for antioxidant therapy: pharmacology and clinical utility

Seetal Dodd University of Melbourne, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Barwon Health, PO Box 281, Geelong 3220, Victoria, Australia +61 3 5226 7666; +61 3 5246 5165; [email protected]
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Olivia Dean University of Melbourne, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Barwon Health, PO Box 281, Geelong 3220, Victoria, Australia +61 3 5226 7666; +61 3 5246 5165; [email protected]; Mental Health Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
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David L Copolov Mental Health Research Institute, Parkville, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Gin S Malhi Royal North Shore Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Northern Clinical School, CADE Clinic, Sydney, Australia; University of Sydney, Discipline of Psychological Medicine, Sydney, Australia
&
Michael Berk University of Melbourne, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Barwon Health, PO Box 281, Geelong 3220, Victoria, Australia +61 3 5226 7666; +61 3 5246 5165; [email protected]; Orygen Research Centre, Parkville, Australia; Mental Health Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
Pages 1955-1962 | Published online: 06 Nov 2008
 
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Abstract

Background: Glutathione is an endogenous antioxidant and has a ubiquitous role in many of the body's defences. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to increase levels of glutathione. NAC has been proposed as a treatment for several illnesses. Objectives: The efficacy and tolerability of NAC was examined across a range of conditions to evaluate the evidence supporting the use of NAC for each indication. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed. Information was also collected from other online sources including the websites of the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia and the FDA. Results: Reports ranged from case studies to clinical trials. There is strong evidence to support the use of NAC for the treatment of paracetamol overdose and emerging evidence suggesting it has utility in psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. NAC is safe and well tolerated when administered orally but has documented risks with intravenous administration.

Acknowledgement

Professor Gin Malhi is supported the National Health and Medical research council. Grant no. 510135. Prof Berk, Prof Copolov, Dr Dodd and Dr Dean are supported by the Stanley Medical Research Institute.

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